The Prime Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) officially dismissed reports regarding a new citizenship program on Sunday. Authorities clarified that no policy exists to grant citizenship in exchange for purchasing real estate worth $150,000. The government issued this statement to correct recent media claims that suggested such a plan was under preparation.
Clarifying the Government’s Position
The official statement emphasized that the government has no current work, decision, or agenda on this matter. Relevant institutions are not carrying out any preparation for citizenship-linked property sales. These rumors emerged following an interview with the chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Contractors Association.
The Prime Ministry noted that the chairman’s personal views were misrepresented as official government policy. While the construction sector faces a large stock of unsold housing from the pandemic era, the state has not approved this specific incentive. The government remains focused on maintaining a resilient economic structure through public-interest roadmaps.
No High-Level Discussions on the Topic
Speculation also pointed to a high-level meeting held on January 16. This evaluation session included Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel. However, the Prime Ministry of Northen Cyprus confirmed that neither leader proposed or discussed citizenship through property purchases.
The meeting served only to hear the recommendations and demands of various economic organizations. Officials warned against treating sectoral suggestions as confirmed government initiatives. The TRNC continues to coordinate with sector representatives to support the economy against external political pressures.
Impact on Households and Investors
The construction sector remains a vital part of the TRNC economy for workers and local businesses. While rumors of a $150,000 threshold gained traction, the government prioritizes legal and transparent economic policies. Clear communication from the Prime Ministry helps maintain market stability for both local residents and international investors.
By rejecting these claims, the TRNC reaffirms its commitment to a structured and fair citizenship process. The government will continue to explore sustainable ways to stimulate the housing market without compromising official status. How will the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus balance the needs of the construction sector with long-term demographic planning?
